Rare Antique Book Collection Sells Out Completely at Bonhams New York Auction

Lull, Ramon (1232–1316). The Order of Chivalry. Translated by William Caxton — Lull, Ramon (1232–1316). *The Order of Chivalry*. Translated by William Caxton | Bonhams

In a historic moment for bibliophiles and collectors, Bonhams New York achieved a white glove result—100% sold—at its December 17 auction of The Complete Kelmscott Press Collection of Joseph Mark Van Horn. The auction marked the first time in half a century that a complete collection of books from the renowned Kelmscott Press, founded by 19th-century designer and visionary William Morris, had been offered at auction. The collection included all 53 works published by the press during its seven-year existence, a remarkable feat of artistic craftsmanship and fine printing.

The undoubted star of the sale was the 1896 Kelmscott edition of The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, often hailed as one of the most beautiful books ever printed. Exceeding all expectations, the Kelmscott Chaucer soared past its estimate to achieve a final hammer price of $115,000. This landmark edition, with its elaborate woodcut illustrations by Edward Burne-Jones and Morris’s meticulous design, remains a pinnacle of the Arts and Crafts movement’s influence on book production.

Overall, the sale achieved an impressive total of $690,000, reflecting sustained appreciation for Morris’s commitment to the artistry of bookmaking. “Morris spearheaded a new era of fine book printing—taking inspiration and learning from the way that books were first printed in the 15th century,” remarked Ian Ehling, Bonhams’ Head of Department, Books and Manuscripts. “The sale demonstrated that his commitment to craftsmanship is still valued today.”

Among the additional highlights of the auction was A Note on the Founding of The Kelmscott Press, one of only 12 copies printed on vellum and the last book produced by the Press, which sold for $38,000.

Another rarity, Of the Friendship of Amis and Amile, an exceedingly scarce copy translated from the ancient French by Morris and one of just 15 copies printed on vellum, found a buyer at $22,000—marking the first time in 80 years that such an edition has appeared at auction.

Of the Friendship of Amis and Amile. Hammersmith: Kelmscott Press, 1894 — *Of the Friendship of Amis and Amile*. Hammersmith: Kelmscott Press, 1894 | Bonhams

Further underscoring the significance of the sale, The Golden Legend by Jacobus de Voragine, translated by William Caxton and inscribed by Morris to his close friend and collaborator Edward Burne-Jones, achieved $18,000.

Meanwhile, The Book of Wisdom and Lies, translated by Oliver Wardrop and inscribed by Morris to celebrated poet and novelist Rudyard Kipling, garnered $7,600. A rare title-page design by Morris for Ballads and Narrative Poems by Dante Gabriel Rossetti added to the excitement, fetching $24,000.

Rossetti, Dante Gabriel (1828–1882). Sonnets and Lyrical Poems. Hammersmith: Kelmscott Press, 1894 — Rossetti, Dante Gabriel (1828–1882). *Sonnets and Lyrical Poems*. Hammersmith: Kelmscott Press, 1894 | Bonhams

The resounding success of the auction reaffirms the enduring legacy of William Morris and the Kelmscott Press. More than a century after their creation, these masterfully crafted books continue to captivate collectors and literary enthusiasts, standing as testaments to the timeless beauty of fine printing.

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